Rishabh Pant’s long-awaited debut as India’s Test captain came under heavy scrutiny on Day 1 of the opening Test against South Africa in Guwahati. While India eventually finished strongly with the Proteas at 247/6 at stumps, Pant’s early tactics drew sharp criticism from former players and commentators.
Defensive Fields Raise Eyebrows Early in the Day
Leading the side in Shubman Gill’s absence, Pant faced immediate pressure as South Africa made a fluent start on a good batting surface at the ACA Barsapara Stadium. In response, the new skipper adopted a surprisingly defensive field—particularly with the spinners operating—spreading the field with minimal close-in catchers.
Former India captain Anil Kumble, speaking on Star Sports, was unimpressed.
“On the leg side, an ODI field has been set. It’s the first session of Day 1 and there is a deep square leg, long-on, and deep midwicket.”
The perception was that Pant’s field eased the pressure on the South African openers rather than challenging them.
Markram–Rickelton Start Strong Before India Fight Back
South Africa openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton stitched together a confident 82-run stand, putting India on the back foot. But in a dramatic burst, Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav removed both batters within four deliveries to swing momentum.
However, the hosts wrestled it back through an 84-run partnership between Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma, again exposing India’s conservative field placements.
Aakash Chopra Also Questions Pant’s Field Settings
Adding to the criticism, former India batter Aakash Chopra questioned the logic behind Pant’s mid-session fielding decisions.
“There is a fielder at mid-wicket, there is a long-on, and no short leg. What is the plan here? Even guesswork will fail here.”
Chopra further questioned whether the field was set for a brief short-ball burst, adding:
“We have to revise how modern-day Test captaincy works.”
The point echoed a broader concern that Pant’s first day as captain revealed inexperience in reading match situations and applying sustained pressure.
India Finish Strong Despite Captaincy Concerns
To Pant’s relief, India clawed back in the final session. From 166/2, South Africa slipped to 201/5, losing Stubbs, Bavuma, and Wiaan Mulder in quick succession as the pitch began to grip.
Kuldeep Yadav was the standout performer with 3 wickets, supported by Bumrah, Jadeja, and Mohammed Siraj, who dismissed Tony de Zorzi with the second new ball just before stumps.
Despite the early tactical missteps, India ended Day 1 in a promising position—though Pant’s captaincy will remain in focus as the match progresses.
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